Dahan: A 100-year-old veteran, I will build the strongest family

Chapter 76: The four families of Zhen, Mi, Lu and Wei are moved and bind the Li family's chariot (two chapters in one)

That day, Li Hong had a long talk with Liu Hong in the palace, and finally gained Liu Hong's support in salt industry, paper, and raising troops.

Li Hong felt the wind on his feet as he walked back.

But I felt excited and extremely happy.

With the nominal support of Emperor Liu Hong, the Li family can get involved in the salt and paper industries, and can legitimately drag the Jizhou Zhen family, the Xuzhou Mi family, the Xuzhou Lu family, and the Chenliu Wei family into the chariot. With the help of the four families, the Li family's power and influence will surely soar.

After all, the four are all top businessmen in their respective states. Their financial resources cannot be underestimated, but what they lack is their official background.

Now that the Li family and the four families complement each other, the explosive power is exciting.

After leaving the palace, Li Hong returned to his mansion, which had been replaced with a plaque with the words "General of Chariots and Cavalry".

Li Hong did not delay.

The first thing he did after returning to the mansion was to ask Li Wu to invite the four heads of the Zhen family, the Mi family and others who had already arrived in Luoyang.

If one wants to attract hundreds of thousands or even millions of the strongest young and strong men among the tens of millions of Han people to Luoyang, it will require a lot of money.

As the saying goes, food and supplies must be sent before the army moves. If you want to spread your name throughout the world and attract a large number of high-quality young people, you need to make adequate preparations first!

"Wen, follow your father to open the secret room No. 2." Seeing Li Wu going to ask for help, Li Hong said to Li Wen.

When Li Wen heard what Li Hong said, his eyes widened and he looked at Li Hong with some suspicion.

As the oldest surviving son of Li Hong, Li Wen is about to turn seventy years old, and the Li family has almost no secrets from him.

He knew that Li Hong had researched many things in his early years that caused a sensation in the Han Dynasty and left them in the secret room.

This was something Li Hong left for the family. He was told that whenever the family was in decline, a secret room would be opened to help the family rise and continue.

Among them, strong liquor and soap came from secret room No. 1.

Now, Li Hong is actually going to open secret room No. 2?
"Yes!" Li Wen's heart was surging, but he understood that Li Hong moving the secret room at this time did not mean that the Li family was declining, but that the Li family was prospering, and they needed those things to help.

……

Upon hearing that Li Hong had invited them, the heads of the four families, the Jizhou Zhen family, the Xuzhou Mi family, the Xuzhou Lu family, and the Chenliu Wei family, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately perked up and came to the General of Chariots and Cavalry's mansion one after another.

The head of the Jizhou Zhen family, named Zhen Yi, is an elegant and good-looking middle-aged man.

Zhen Yi is none other than the father of the historical Goddess of Luo River, Zhen Mi.

The current head of the Xuzhou Mi family has been replaced.

It was not Mi Zhu, the old patriarch who was on good terms with Li Hong.

But the young Mi Zhu.

Mi Zhu, who was seventeen or eighteen years old, was full of vigor and vitality. He was quite excited and respectful when he saw Li Hong.

When Li Hong saw Mi Zhu, who was about seventeen or eighteen years old, the little guy was already able to take charge of Mi Zhu's work. Li Hong couldn't help but stroke his gray beard, admiring him.

Mi Zhu, courtesy name Zi Zhong, was an important figure in Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period.

Historically, Mi Zhu was born into a wealthy merchant family in Xuzhou, with rich assets and nearly 10,000 servants and guests. Mi Zhu was generous, honest and elegant, good at riding and archery, but he was not good at military command.

Mi Zhu played a pivotal role in Liu Bei's career. When Liu Bei was at his lowest point, Mi Zhu not only gave him huge financial support, but also personally married his sister to Liu Bei, and sent a large number of servants and gold, silver and silk to help Liu Bei regain his strength. Mi Zhu's loyalty and trustworthiness were highly recognized by Liu Bei, who always treated Mi Zhu as a guest of honor and showed him great respect.

After the establishment of Shu Han, Mi Zhu was named General An Han, with a status higher than that of General Zhuge Liang, the military advisor, and was treated the best among all the officials of Shu Han. In fact, despite Mi Zhu's high status in Shu Han, he was very low-key. When his younger brother Mi Fang betrayed Shu Han, causing Guan Yu's defeat and death, Mi Zhu felt deeply guilty and tied himself up to ask Liu Bei for forgiveness. Liu Bei comforted him, believing that the brother should not be linked to the brother's crime, and treated him as before. But Mi Zhu felt guilty and became depressed, and died more than a year later.

In general, Mi Zhu was a loyal, generous, low-key and highly responsible official of Shu Han. His contribution was not only in his financial support and loyal assistance to Liu Bei, but also in his personal charm and noble qualities.

In his early years, Li Hong had personally witnessed the birth and growth of the little fellow Mi Zhu, but he did not have any other thoughts. However, with the arrival of the system, the Li family prospered. When Li Hong looked at Mi Zhu again, his eyes were not only filled with admiration, but also with the charm of looking at his subordinate.

Such a talent naturally cannot be left to Liu Bei any longer, but should be brought to Li Hong's side! !

The head of the Xuzhou Lu family has changed after not seeing him for several years.

The old patriarch Lu Ding passed away five years ago, leaving behind a five-year-old son Lu Su.

Five years later, his father died young, and the young boy Lu Su grew up rapidly mentally.

Now at the age of ten, little Lu Su came to Luoyang on behalf of the Lu family as an envoy to the Li family!

Li Hong looked at the resolute and calm appearance of little Lu Su and couldn't help but feel pity for him.

Lu Su was not an unknown figure in history.

On the contrary, Li Hong liked Lu Su very much.

It's not just because Lu Su is an honest man.

Lu Su, courtesy name Zijing, was a counselor, general, strategist, and diplomat of the Eastern Wu during the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

Lu Su was a man of generous character, good at planning, and had an extraordinary demeanor since childhood. He was good at fencing, riding and shooting, and liked reading and studying. Even when he was in the army, he always kept the habit of reading. He was a man of both martial arts and literary and military strategies.

In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, facing the court's incompetence and social unrest, Lu Su chose to be generous and actively help the poor, making friends with many like-minded scholars and deeply admired by the villagers. His friendship with Zhou Yu is also a good story. The two planned big things together and contributed to the prosperity and stability of Dongwu.

Lu Su's achievements are rich and outstanding.

First of all, he had extraordinary insight in strategic planning. The strategic plan of establishing a three-pronged alliance in Jiangdong laid a solid foundation for Sun Quan to consolidate the foundation of the Eastern Wu.

This plan not only helped Sun Quan gain a foothold in troubled times, but also pointed out the direction for the subsequent development of Eastern Wu.

Secondly, Lu Su played a crucial role in the Battle of Chibi.

He proposed a fire attack strategy and successfully defeated Cao Cao's army. This victory not only saved the Eastern Wu from danger, but also changed the entire pattern of the Three Kingdoms.

Lu Su's wisdom and decisiveness were fully demonstrated in this battle.

In addition, Lu Su also made important contributions to maintaining the overall situation of the alliance between Sun and Liu. He knew the importance of the alliance, so he always remained cautious and rational when dealing with Liu Bei. He facilitated the cooperation between Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang, enabling the two families to fight against foreign enemies together and safeguard the common interests of both sides. Lu Su's character was also highly praised. He was strict and had a good way of governing the army, lived a simple life and was sincere. His personal charm made him have a high reputation in the army, and the soldiers were full of respect and trust for him.

Undoubtedly, Lu Su was a strategist and diplomat with outstanding wisdom and leadership. His achievements were not only reflected in military and political aspects, but also in his personal charm and influence.

Initially, Li Hong chose to be on good terms with the Lu family because of Lu Su. Now, seeing little Lu Su coming to Luoyang on behalf of the family, he felt very pleased.

As for the head of the Chenliu Wei family, he is a garrison soldier in his thirties and still in his prime.

The Chenliu Wei family is not the Hedong Wei family.

In fact, the Chenliu Wei family was a supporter and sponsor of Cao Cao.

Of course, things are different with Li Hong around.

"We congratulate General Li on his triumphant return. He has been given the title of Grand Marshal and appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry. The Li family's reputation has been greatly enhanced. General Li has finally led the Li family to glory. This is cause for celebration!"

As soon as he saw Li Hong, Zhen Yi, the head of the Zhen family, immediately congratulated Li Hong respectfully with a look of joy on his face.

When they learned that Li Hong had led the army to a great victory in the north, the four families were all surprised.

So, people rushed to Luoyang from all over the place.

But it is because the four families have a close relationship with the Li family.

Sure enough, Li Hong won a great victory and received a generous reward from the court.

However, this reward still shocked the four families.

General of Chariots and Cavalry, Grand Marshal of the current dynasty, and Marquis of the county.

What an honor!

However, after being shocked, the four families were all ecstatic and decided to cling to the Li family!

As long as they have the support of the Li family, no powerful family would dare to make things difficult for their businesses or charge them various fees.

"Congratulations, old general, for your great victory over the Xianbei and for enhancing the prestige of our Han nation." The ten-year-old Lu Su cupped his hands and congratulated Li Hong.

Her cute look with red lips and white teeth made Dian Wei, who was standing next to Li Hong, couldn't help but touch his head.

As soon as the four family heads sat down, they began to flatter and congratulate Li Hong.

Li Hong smiled and waved his hand, saying:
"Alright, your four families have a close relationship with the Li family, so there's no need to be so polite. I know what you're up to. You want to rely on the Li family and depend on them for support."

"I have agreed to this matter. From today on, the four families will all call me the Li family. If anyone dares to make things difficult for the four families, they will make things difficult for the Li family!"

Li Hong sat in the main seat, pointed out the purpose of the four families' visit directly, and agreed to it directly.

Inside the hall, Zhen Yi, Mi Zhu, Xiao Lusu, and Wei Shu were all stunned, because they were stunned by Li Hong's direct and rude words.

They haven't said anything yet, haven't they expressed their intention in a tactful way, but Li Hong has already agreed directly?
Moreover, if anyone dares to make things difficult for the four families, they will also make things difficult for the Li family!
This is not an ordinary attitude!
Even if we have a friendly cooperative relationship, we wouldn't be so caring!
After Zhen Yi, Mi Zhu, Xiao Lusu and Wei Shu were stunned, they were immediately filled with a strong sense of joy.

No matter what, Li Hong's care made the four people feel relieved and overjoyed.

Li Hong is already a top official in the dynasty. With the care of the Li family, the four families will no longer have to worry about being bullied by officials.

"I am deeply grateful to the old general for taking such good care of me. From today on, 20% of the profits from the Zhen family's business will be given to the Li family to thank General Li for his care!" Zhen Yi, the head of the Zhen family, stood up, excitedly picked up a bottle of wine and drank it all in one gulp from Li Hong.

After hearing the statement made by the head of the Zhen family, Mi Zhu and the other two also stood up and raised their wine bottles, expressing their willingness to give 20% of the family's profits in return for the Li family. It was obvious that the four of them had communicated earlier and had reached a consensus.

Li Hong, who was sitting in the main seat, waved his hand and said with a smile:

"Although I have asked you four families to address me as the Li family, if anyone dares to make things difficult for the four families, then I will make things difficult for the Li family, but you don't have to be grateful."

"Because what I mean is that from today on, the four of you are part of the Li family, truly attached to the Li family, and are members of the Li family!"

Inside the hall, Li Hong's words reached the ears of Zhen Yi, Mi Zhu and the other three. The smiles on their faces, which were full of excitement, suddenly stopped. They looked at Li Hong in shock, and then looked at each other.

"General Li, you want us to... depend on the Li family?" Zhen Yi's face became a little stiff. Speaking of dependence, Zhen Yi wanted to say annexation.

Yes, subconsciously, Zhen Yi, Mi Zhu and the other three thought that Li Hong wanted to annex their four families.

This is not impossible, because these four families are very popular, and everyone with power and influence wants to take a bite.

However, the Li family has always had good character. Zhen Yi, Mi Zhu and the other three never thought that Li Hong, after gaining power, would actually swallow up the four families?

Li Hong saw the expressions of the four people and realized that they had misunderstood him. He smiled and said:

"You should know the character of my Li family. How could the Li family do such a thing as killing someone's parents or stealing their money?"

After hearing what Li Hong said, Zhen Yi, Mi Zhu and the other three realized that Li Hong's character and the Li family's way of treating others were definitely not like the style of people who would seize power by force after gaining power.

Knowing that there might be a misunderstanding, Zhen Yi hurriedly said, "I don't know what General Li means. General Li is highly respected and has always taken care of our Zhen family. As long as the Li family speaks, I... my Zhen family will not hesitate to spend the family wealth!"

Speaking of spending the family fortune at all costs, Zhen Yi gritted his teeth but expressed his attitude directly.

He was gambling, gambling on Li Hong's character. After so many years, Zhen Yi was sure that Li Hong's character was not the kind of person who would steal things by trickery or force.

"Haha, my Li family is richer than your Zhen family, what use is there for your wealth? It's like this, today I went to the palace to meet the emperor, and the emperor allowed the Li family to get involved in the salt and paper industry, earning money to build an elite army of 100,000. Therefore, after strong liquor and soap, the Li family took out the bottom-of-box weapons, crude salt purification and Chinese paper, and wanted to pull the four families to work together, but the premise is that the four families will be merged into the Li family from today and become affiliated families of the Li family. No matter what the future holds, we will advance and retreat together. The money earned casually is enough for the four of you to develop steadily. Li Wen, show them the refined salt and Chinese paper purified from crude salt. His Majesty and I have discussed the strategy of attacking the south and north of the desert, and the 100,000 elite troops we are building are preparations..."

In the hall, Li Hong told the four heads of the Zhenyi families about the conversation he had with Liu Hong in the palace about the salt industry and Han paper, and also told them about the plan to build an elite army of 100,000. Of course, Li Hong did not reveal the details, and placed in front of the four people the sample of purified salt and the product he named Han paper that he took out of the secret room.

If you want to win over the Jizhou Zhen family, the Xuzhou Mi family, the Xuzhou Lu family, and the Chenliu Wei family to join the battle, you must make the four families convinced and offer them big pie, hope, and tangible benefits.

Sure enough, when Zhen Yi, Mi Zhu and the other two heard that Li Hong was going to attack the grasslands south and north of the desert next, and was going to get involved in the salt industry and Chinese paper, and even to build an elite army of 100,000 people, looking at the crystal clear salt and high-quality Chinese paper in front of them, the four of them were shocked, and then began to get excited and surprised.

The four were not stupid. After learning about Li Hong's future strategy of conquering the grasslands south and north of the desert, and his plan to use a large amount of refined salt to engage in the Han Dynasty's coarse salt business to earn a staggering fortune, and that he also had Emperor Liu Hong as his backer, the four immediately realized that Li Hong and the Li family would achieve great things in the future. Furthermore, the Li family did not swallow up the four families' wealth, but only wanted them to merge with the Li family in the future and advance and retreat together. The four felt like a huge pie had fallen on their heads, and their hearts were moved. An opportunity to be completely bound to the Li family appeared before them.

(End of this chapter)